Creationist Dinosaur Adventure park being seized over tax fraud
Oh, no.., What will the Dinosaurs think? The pro-birth anti-evolution Christian evangelism movement just suffered a horrible blow.
A federal judge has cleared the way for the government's seizure of a creationism theme park in Pensacola owned by a couple convicted of tax fraud.
A ruling by U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers states that the nine properties that make up Dinosaur Adventure Land as well as two bank accounts associated with the park will be used to satisfy $430,400 owed to the federal government.
Kent Hovind, who founded the park and a ministry, Creation Science Evangelism, is serving 10 years in federal prison for failing to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than $470,000 in employee taxes.
He was found guilty in November 2006 on 58 counts, including failure to pay employee taxes and making threats against investigators.
The conviction culminated 17 years of Hovind sparring with the IRS. Saying he was employed by God and his ministers were not subject to payroll taxes, he claimed no income or property. Hovind is incarcerated at the Edgefield Federal Correction Institution in South Carolina.
They lie about their dirty dealings and now DrDino.com is in trouble. Hang on, it's time to call in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It can help us!
What a hoot!
Now all they have left is the monkey zoo.
Obama's birth cert have in common? The birthers don't believe it. Show them bones and they are fake. Show them the birth cert and it is fake.
To me, rethugs are fake and going extinct.
"Let's talk dirty to the animals"
You do not see the government prosecuting the Global Corporations for their illegal off shore hiring of their taxes..
They have too much money to spread around to the elected officials.
None
Hawarrrahhhhaaaa!!!!!!!! (Still choking...with tears....of...joy....)!
Bo freakin' zo's!!!!!!!!
Soives em' right!!!!!
Kooks!!!!
Go to college!
ANY college!!! Take ANY class in Paleontology 101 at ANY "reputable" university....
DORKS!
"The US has an army of 90,000 soldiers in Afghanistan and is spending $100bn a year, but has still been unable to defeat 20,000-25,000 Taliban who receive no pay at all." - Patrick Cockburn
Education isn't high up on the list. My fundie cousins think I was an idiot for wasting time in college when I could've been four years along in a real job. My first post grad job was helping people sign up for welfare. That was that.
My sister-in-law's niece married into the ultra weird MURCH family. One of their daughters married a man who worked here. So, I have been aware of this place for a while. I wonder if its website is still around. It was FUNNY!
Yay! Throw away the f-ing keys I say! These f-tards are doing their best to destroy civilization. If you disagree, no I don't respect your opinion: wake the f up!
He should be institutionalized just for having a creationism theme park.
In Paul's second epistle to the Trilobites.
Divine Right of Kings (1600's); Divine Right of Corporations (2011)
Now that was funny.
But isn't this a perfect example of Darwinian evolution in action?
why the churches aren't taxed. It's a travesty. They should pay their dues like everyone else. No freeloaders!
There's always free cheddar in the mousetrap, baby. - Tom Waits
Then they'll have every right to spew their garbage within the government with no recourse. Do you really want that?
They're not doing that already?
If we go ahead and tax the churches now, then it better be so hard and so expensive, that they'll never financially recover. Otherwise....
wait,
if you tax churchs are you not merging church and state?
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
what I'm saying...we should never call for churches to be taxed. Only financially punished each time they violate church and state. And 3 strikes, and you're out.
refers, at all... not even close.
Churches are not taxed because they are supposed to be non-profit organizations. Not because of concerns regarding separation of church and state.
Actually, it's both.
I'm not sure if our Founding Fathers knew of the existence of non-profit organizations, but then there was no income tax set up by them either.
More recently there was the Supreme Court Case of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries v. Board of Equalization of California, Decided Jan. 17, 1990, where the court ruled that books he wrote and statuettes and paintings of himself sold at crusades did require the payment of state taxes, and the court pointed out that wouldn't have been the case if the books in question was the Bible, and the images were that of Jesus.
The court traditionally doesn't want to step into what's taxable and what's not with the Church, and prefer a neutral stance, similar to the religionist's avoidance of the appearance of evil.
The Swaggert case I think would be directly applicable to a theme park, even if it does have some religious aspects.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Churches since the beginning probably had to sales taxes and tariffs. However, that would only be after the state had to take over more and more of social spending due to increased population and poverty, and as for tariffs they would only kick in once a church tried to go international.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
None of the stuff you just talked about addresses what I stated: the lack of taxation of churches is due to their status as non-profit organizations.
Separation of church and state is an orthogonal issue to the fore mentioned non-profit status of most churches and/or religious groups/cults/organizations. If you go to the bookstore and buy a bible, you still have to pay sales tax. Because the publisher of the book is usually a for profit corporation.
In the same sense that for-profit corporations are not part of the state, and yet they pay taxes. The lack of taxation of churches does not define wether or not they are part of the state. Furthermore, there are some state-run corporations (mostly of the educational persuasion) which are tax-exempt, yet they are most definitively part of the state.
... Though I'm not sure what you mean by "orthogonal issue"?
Do ya think they could of dodge the payroll taxes as the story and [smchris] points out below? If they built a house of worship on-site and classified their employees as missionaries?
I don't know the whole scoop, just looking for angles... or is it angels? :P
Study the symptoms not the virus...
Thu, 08/06/2009 - 05:28 — Truth_Critic
According to to the Swaggert case, the answer is no. Because these items they were selling were at evangelical crusades, where missionary work is going on.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Non-profit status is conferred for tax purposes. They share a causal relationship. If there's no income or property tax there's no need for the status.
And if I walk into a bookstore and buy a Bible, I'm doing so as an individual not as a church. The IRS has to recognize you as a church, before any tax exempt status kicks in.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
They got him for not submitting payroll taxes for his employees (and the threats to agents). Basically, Dino Man got a little _too_ greedy and let his stupidity show. If he'd played the game like most "non-profit" evangelical organizations, he probably would have been fine.
Caesar what belongs to Caesar (government).
But then again, when I was an evangelical the church I went to taught that all money belonged to God, so if that leads to people tithing before they pay their utilities or grocery bills, I guess it can lead to this too...
Edit - Holy cow, Annaleigh, worst mispelling of "people" ever...
I've never seen change without a fire
If some guy owes me hella money and won't pay, I need to take it up with God, where am I going to find a crowbar strong enough to bash God's head in and splatter his brains on the wall?!
you what the other guy owes, or He'll give the other guy a change of heart... Of course, it doesn't work like that!
I've never seen change without a fire
BillO the clown will run with this one, the democrats seizing businesses that are pro Religion.
are coming!!!
:P
I've never seen change without a fire
Is that why I hear so many lighter clicks and smell tobacco smoke?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
BillO: This park is for young children
Beck: tax free, as in
BillO: the constitution so I think it's time
Beck: to teach somebody a lesson
BillO: dixie chicks. . they learned
Beck: and those grammy's we're political
BillO: a farce
bush bashing
at least since Supreme Court decision 2000. Hopefully we can recover.
To check that place out and see how close it was to the Flintstones.
The Creation Museum is a smashing success, though P.Z. Myers is going to storm it peacefully with 200+ atheists in tow this Friday. That should be interesting.
Plus, there's always the risk that Texas sets the nation's education system back several decades.
a "riot".
Well I was educated in Texas.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I didn't intend to broadside the entirety of the state's education system. I'm just concerned about Gov. Perry's appointments and the conservative members on the Board of Education.
That seems to remind me. If I recall correctly perry wants to appoint this woman to some panel overseeing state education, when she's on record wanting to eliminate such panels, state and nationally.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
That's what the republicans do. They appoint people to positions that they'd ultimately like to see eliminated. Then they do such a piss poor job everybody sees their original point.
In anticipation of the arrival of Pz Meyers et al the Creationist Museum staff have removed the saddles from all dinosaur models........great, now how are children suppose to know how proto-human children moved about in pre-nintendo days.....sheesh!
'We, the People'............rimshot................hahahahahaha!
I can't get a brontosaurus burger anymore?
What will Fred and Barney do?
What is your conceptual, continuity?
if the Great Gazoo was on display there with his Dumb-Dumbs
(RIP Harvey Korman)
does the Great Gazoo fall within the realm of the Trinity anyways?
;P
Insert Betty Rubble giggle here.
Fruity Pebble?
Perv...
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Wed, 08/05/2009 - 17:27 — mudshark
I can't get a brontosaurus burger anymore?
What will Fred and Barney do?
_______________________________________________
Get ribs.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I'm sorry but this story is a waste of C+L valuable space. In my opinion. Rome is burning, We would be better off trying to organize opposition to the tea bagging Atro Turf dip shits. Like I said just my opinion.
Present Keyboards!
Present Fingers! Forward!
Left right left right Left right left right
I know I know. At lest I tried to be civil unlike some others who complain about different topics. Give me little credit.
I just not sure cyber activism is getting that much bang for the buck anymore. It's like tossing rocks over the Pacific at the Talbian in Afghanistan and hoping one will land on their head.
Yes I agree but if even one of us goes to one of these meetings and helps out it will be better than nothing.
I'm not ready to give up yet. I do understand what you are saying though.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could put together a road trip and get about 50 of us to one location and go at it with these assholes. I can always dream.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I disagree, Captain. The anti-reality, anti-science, creationist fringe is one of the main heads of the right-wing hydra. These people have helped make the US, once the world's science leader, an international laughing stock and have helped to keep large portions of the country in the Dark Ages. I am greatly pleased to read this story.
Point taken.
Actually I am now thinking that it was a good post. These things grow on me.
Good on ya, though the ability to admit that you have changed your mind would make you a lousy creationist. :)
understood the value of comedic relief in the midst of the most dire of his tragedies. Have a giggle, have two. It'll do you good and gird your loins for taking on the tea bagging Astro Turf dip shits...
... which if you think about it is kinda funny too...
It was God's will.
Truth hurts..bozos everywhere....Maybe they can start doing all the fox programs from this site!!! Huummm...sure would save News Corp a bunch of money since they announced a huge loss today...tee...heee.....
That this "museum" wasn't intelligently designed.
Update...neither is that website.
Sinners!
"Render unto Caesar..."
me-oww!
Maybe when it's been sold and their taxes paid, they'll have enough money left over for some tea bags.
Barack Obama: Change we can only imagine
"If you're doing business with a religious son-of-a-bitch, get it in writing. His word isn't worth shit. Not with the good lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal."
I remember that line. I really wonder what his take on today's political climate would be.
jim and tammy faye baker; suckering the rubes and defrauding the country.
;)
Maybe God will miracle your ass up a cool half million if you pray hard enough.
*
I've never seen change without a fire
Let's all say a prayer for the Dino Park and Kent Hovind.
Lord, please send Jesus down to earth and free Dino Park from this nasty socialist government of ours. Lord, please send Jesus here to free Kent Hovind from jail.
We're really praying, oh Lord, because the anti-Christ Obama is now in office, seizing our religious parks. And that's not right!
29 CUMMINGS. Aren't these people still waiting for the second one?
Divine Right of Kings (1600's); Divine Right of Corporations (2011)
Wow, that some endurance if it was all in one day.
Those dinosaurs were built to last.
Sounds like one of my weekends.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
the complete absence of "HOMO ERECTUS" in their exhibits.
Divine Right of Kings (1600's); Divine Right of Corporations (2011)
Maybe the dinos ate a bunch of people and its a coverup!! hahahahaha This is the best thing that could ever have happened today. I needed a good laugh. Thankyou.
Just another Right Wing-nutO, fake religious leader and criminal to pay for his crimes. Good riddance!!
Three cheers now if we can start taxing churches and their properties (all but the church and parsonage that would be great.
Remember it was science and the Evil government that did it. Wackos Weirdos.
I has tax free status?
His minions failed.
I can haz new minions?
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" - Red Green
Freedom Ain't Free - Pay Your Share
No riding dino for you!
I got some dirty pictures of Wilma riding Dino.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Prehistoric Union, dino rides you.
So what evolved into an IRS auditor?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
is the christian tax dodge. wolves in sheeps clothing.
I guess we could call this Evolution or criminal selection by design.
So confused, i am off to the "i do not know section"... cya.
- JJ
... The Holy Land Experience, Orlando FL
[ http://www.holylandexperience.com/ ]
Bill Maher visited here as you can see in his trailer...
...at about the 20 second mark.
[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prVrpzzIKuM ](2:12)
Study the symptoms not the virus...
that money says "In God We Trust" on it?
Doesn't that violate the separation of church and state? As an atheist, I find it offensive. Imagine if the Xtians had to use money that said "There is no God" on it.
Random thoughts I was having in the shower this morning...
... Though coins had it, as far back as the civil war.
See: "History of 'In God We Trust'
"The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War."
Though your correct, it does violate the Establishment Clause aka the religious clause, of the 1st amendment of our constitution. "It has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court, though the Court has not always fully embraced the principle."
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 23:26 — Truth_Critic
[ http://thirdbranch.crooksandliars.com/big-ten... ]
Study the symptoms not the virus...
Wed, 08/05/2009 - 19:35 — SKdeA_Miss1929
Random thoughts I was having in the shower this morning...
___________________________________________________________
I masturbate.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
They only like the tithe when it's coming in not going out. :)
Study the symptoms not the virus...
For intelligent design.
What is your conceptual, continuity?
What is "pro-birth?" Did you mean pro-life? Or pro-birther?
I have never heard of being "pro-birth" before. Is that as opposed to pro-Caesarian (section)?
I guess tax expert Hovind never read the part of the Bible that discussed "render(ing) unto Caesar...." Kind of a serious oversight for a guy who is otherwise one of the great intellects of the last 6,000 years.
His incarceration is really a tragedy, since I'm confident Hovind was using his extensive scientific knowledge (acquired through careful reading of the Scriptures, other than those parts about Caesar and the IRS) to present dinosaurs in the most accurate context possible. I'm glad to see that at Dinosaur Adventure Land he correctly depicts human beings and dinosaurs interacting, a fact that is amply supported by the award-winning documentary film One Million, BC, featuring Victor Mature (the renowned zoologist and historian) and Carole Landis (shown here with a Greatdaneosaurus Rex). Of course, through what was probably a misguided marketing ploy -- that apparently reasoned bigger is better -- the film was misnamed and 990,000+ years were added to the age of this planet. Everyone knows the Earth didn't even exist 1,000,000+ years ago. The film should have been called 4,000 BC.
Further, no one should confuse the original One Million, BC with the highly fictionalized 1966 film of the same name, which was little more than a tawdry sexploitation film apparently designed to demonstrate that Raquel Welch's breasts interacted with dinosaurs.
Comment Content. (Why is the lack of "comment content" an error?)
But the ancient Egyptians did... So to all the 'tax hating' con-servatives out there.... Your 'free market' hocus pocus model HAS NEVER been seen in this world.... But Latvia & Iceland thank you for bankrupting their countries....
If the dinosaurs didn't have to pay taxes (I guess Noah didn't get charged) then why should they???? Seriously though...how in the hell did Noah get 2 of every animal, including the dinosaurs (even if they were babies) onto the Ark? That's some kind of 'heavenly' buoyancy going on there... Argentinosaurus really? He fit two of those on that thing?? Wow...Noah must have been using the schematics for the freedom ship...
All kidding aside...its a good thing that this bad rubbish is going bye bye...its the 21st century and crap like this is better left in the 20th century...
We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children - Native American proverb
If being cold means there's no such thing as global warming, does being full mean there's no such thing as world hunger?
So has Scarborough weighed in on these goings-on in his precious Pensacola? I bet not.
Edit Add:
Curious, I googled and found one of Hovind's sites, where he says
"When Joe Scarborough, our representative from this district in Florida, he came to my house trying to get me to vote for him. I said, “Joe, what is your opinion of public schools?” He said, “The tenth amendment.” I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “They have no right existing.” He said, “There should be no federal interference in public schools.” He said, “Same for welfare.” Yay Joe! You got my vote. Look, if we just got to what the Constitution says, 80 percent of the problems would disappear. Federal government is involved in a lot of things they shouldn’t be involved in. I speak in public schools all the time. My brother is going to retire from public school teaching this year. He’s the one that led me to the Lord. My brother has been in public school teaching for twenty-eight years and is retiring. My mom retired from teaching public school. I’m not against public schools; I just think they should be run by the local cities or maybe the county, but certainly not the federal government in Washington. Shut it down at that level. It can’t possibly work."
And believe you me,
You don't want a dino saur at you.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
This fuckin heeelarious!
the state should auction this park to atheists!
I'd pay caaaaash moneys, Amurkan! To be able to point and laugh at all the dumb shit in that park!
who feels that it is unconstitutional for the government to tax people. Lots of those folks out there. My ex-son-in-law and I had many totally disjointed conversations on why that's just a little nutty.
See! Them libra's is try'en to shut down our scinc' wit dat tax man.
Profe that dinesore's an' pe'ple did co-zist'!
Rush Limbaugh is what a smart person thinks a stupid bigot sounds like.
go dino go!
How delightful this news that the creationist theme park will soon be seized by the government. Now, we can listen to O'Really and such cry foul about the "socialist, atheist" Obama administration going after an "educaional" institution just because they don't like what it is teaching: that man walked with dinosaurs.
"Respect for the rights of others is peace." --Benito Juarez
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